The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance (CCSOGG) has strongly condemned the recent press conference held by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), where it called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to delist a self-styled blogger, Ms. Dorcas Adeyinka, from the police wanted list.
In a press release issued in Lagos and signed by its Secretary, Olalekan Johnson, CCSOGG described CHSR’s intervention as “misguided, ill-informed, and a dangerous attempt to interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation.” The coalition noted that the CHSR’s demand, which is based on what it termed an “unsubstantiated court judgement,” demonstrates a gross ignorance of the facts surrounding the case.
According to the coalition, Dorcas Adeyinka is currently at large, having jumped bail in an earlier criminal case. She was subsequently declared wanted by law enforcement authorities for multiple serious offenses, including murder, cyberstalking, abduction, threat to life, and extortion.
“The intervention by CHSR in this matter is both reckless and unfortunate. This is not a matter of civil dispute or political persecution; it is a criminal investigation backed by clear allegations and ongoing police efforts,” the statement read.
The coalition further disclosed that Ms. Adeyinka has since fled the country, refusing to make herself available for further investigation. This, according to CCSOGG, has effectively stalled lawful procedures that should have followed her initial arrest and arraignment.
“What we find most appalling is that rather than submitting herself to the due process of the law, Ms. Adeyinka has resorted to enlisting the services of phantom groups and rented mobs on social media to blackmail and intimidate the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement continued.
Of particular concern, the coalition noted, is the coordinated cyberbullying and malicious attacks targeted at the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, by online supporters of Ms. Adeyinka. The coalition condemned these actions in the strongest terms, calling them a brazen attempt to obstruct justice and discredit law enforcement officials.
“It is distasteful that a citizen of this country, using her financial influence, believes she can place herself above the law while trying to discredit institutions that are mandated to uphold justice,” the coalition stated.
CCSOGG urged Nigerians, especially civil society groups like CHSR, not to allow themselves to be tools in campaigns that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system under the pretense of human rights advocacy.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to the protection of the rights of Nigerians, but we will not condone any effort that aims to shield individuals from accountability based on influence or manipulation,” the statement concluded.
The Coalition reaffirmed its support for the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in their lawful efforts to rid the country of criminality and maintain order regardless of who is involved.
